Cycling in Papua New Guinea

Hello!
My name is Matias Hyde and I'm currently cycling around the world (my website about the journey --> http://www.matiashydetravels.com ) raising funds for the Cheetah Conservation Funds in Namibia and Kenya.

At the moment I'm staying in Sydney recovering from a leg injury, and will probably resume my journey to Cairns by the end of December 2010. Once in Cairns, I will try to catch a yacht or any other kind of boat, if possible, to get to Port Moresby (otherwise, I'll just hop on a plane).

I intend to cycle from the capital all the way to Lae (and from there to Vanimo), following firstly the Hiritano Highway up to Kerema, from where I will try to follow a few tracks which pass through Kaintibi and Watama, before arriving in Menyamya.

I know of all the dangers and hazard enviroments present in PNG, but still, this is a country that really appeals to me, and that I've been wanting to visit for a very long time now. My question here, then, is the following: are there any problems with the tracks I mentioned before, from Kerema to Menyamya (Western Province). Are they suitable for cycling? Has anyone been there? There are two tracks: one passes through Murua and gost straight north to Watama, and there is another one which goes slightly west and north to Kaintiba, then Watama.

Thank you very much for your time and help, and happy travels!
Matias

It's not Papua new Guinea, but this link will give you lots of information on cycling in Solomon Islands the neighbouring country, which is culturally similar.

Is Kerema to Menyama in Western Province?
Unless my memory fails me, more research might be needed here...

Kerema in the Gulf Province and Menyamya in Morobe province. 40 years ago I walked from near Goroka to Baimuru and it was not at all easy. That I might add is mainly downhill. With a bicycle it would be hell. These are walking pads not tracks. If you do it then research well. I congratulate you in advance if you succeed.

Thank you all for your quick responses! Initially I thought Kerema and Menyamya where in Morobe province because of what I've read in a Lonely Planet guide, but clearly I must have got confused. I apologize.
As to the tracks, I thank you Yuwi for the heads-up, I will certainly have to do some more research, though there doesn't seem to be much anywhere on internet.
I'll let you know guys of whatever information I come by in following weeks.
Thanks again for your time!

i admire your enthusiasm,but homework is needed to pull this off/the road to kerema from pom,stops at bereina,then its a tough 40kms across rivers to terapo...from kerema up to menyama is pure hell,it rises from sea level to 6,000 feet with many obstacles...you may want to consider catching the lutheran ship(passenger)from madang up to wewak...then from aitape catch another boat to vanimo before reaching the indonesian border at wutung.good luck mate

Hello DonBrisbane,
I thank you for your recommendations! Today I was able to buy a detailed map of a beach road connecting Vanimo and Wewak, so I'll be able to cycle my way up to the border from Lae. This track has already been cycled before by Rob Lilwall some years ago, only the other way round.
Now I'm more focused on the area you were just describing, from Kerema to Menyama. I couldn't get any maps on the area today, since they've run out of them and are presently discontinued in production, but I'll keep looking for them in Brisbane, Cairns and POM. I might get lucky there.
It's real good information you are giving here, regarding as to how much it rises from sea level. It will certainly make things more than difficult, but I'm quite stubborn and don't quit easily. If the track can be done carrying a bike, I will do so then. But I was thinking that I could probably hire a local guide maybe? I'll look more into this matter.
Thanks again all for your tips and wise advice. Really appreciate it.
Cheers!

Edited by: matiashyde

Please ensure you have good security advice on all aspects of this trip even to consulate level. The only regular news reports on PNG we seem to get in Australia are about violent crime and vicious rapes, and the usual corrupt government stuff. Obviously it is not all that way but where there is smoke there is fire so be very, very careful.

Safety and Security from the www.smarttraveller.gov.au website (think the addy is correct)
Crime
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Papua New Guinea because of the high levels of serious crime. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Crime is random and particularly prevalent in urban areas such as Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen. Settlement areas of towns and cities are particularly dangerous. 'Bush knives' (machetes) and firearms are often used in assaults and thefts. Carjackings, assaults (including sexual assaults), bag snatching and robberies are common. Banks and automatic teller machines are attractive targets for criminals. The crime rate tends to increase leading into the Christmas holiday period.

Although most crime is opportunistic, there have been incidents of robbery in which expatriates have been targeted in their homes or workplaces. There have been a small number of high profile kidnappings for ransom.

There is a significant risk of robbery and carjacking in the area near Parliament House in the Waigani suburb of Port Moresby and along the highway between Lae and the Nadzab Airport, particularly between the two and nine mile settlement areas. Criminals also use roadblocks on roads outside of towns.

In August and September 2010, there was an increase in violent attacks on vehicles travelling the Highlands Highway, especially between Goroka and Kainantu. Criminals used roadblocks to stop and loot vehicles and then attack the occupants. If you intend to travel along the Highlands Highway, we recommend you exercise a high degree of caution and consider using a security escort. A group of Australian officials cancelled travel to Goroka on 22 September 2010 due to possible civil disturbances.

Walking after dark is particularly dangerous in Port Moresby and other urban centres. All travel at night should be made by car, with doors locked and windows up.

Due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary faces a number of obstacles, including limited resources, and this may affect police response times in the event of crime. Many businesses, including the High Commission, employ private security companies to help deliver a prompt response to calls for assistance.

Ignore this alarmist crap. I lived there for 28 years and still make regular visits. It is not a bed of roses but a young male with a good sense of humour and an easy manner will have few if any problems. PM me when you reach Cairns and I can give you a few pointers re your route etc.

hi yuwi, i dont doubt for a minute that you know more than most about just about everything in PNG and I am always aware that the hyped up stories are the ones to make the press. My point for someone coming from far away and possibly suspecting it is as care free as other pacific countries is to watch your back more here than elsewhere. Especially for a woman.